Concert Board will again host the annual Jumbo Jam concert this year after having to eliminate the event from its programming schedule last year due to budgetary limitations, according to Concert Board co−Chair Michelle Kennedy.
Office for Campus Life (OCL) Assistant Director David McGraw explained that Concert Board was unable to hold a Jumbo Jam event last year due to a lack of funds resulting from a splurge on the 2010 Cage Rage concert.
"Concert Board overspent their Cage Rage budget by a substantial amount, which caused them to not have enough funds to do Jumbo Jam," McGraw said. "They had to cut money somewhere, and rather than taking it out of Spring Fling they decided to eliminate Jumbo Jam."
Kennedy, a junior, explained that the previous Concert Board co−chairs had left money in the budget for Jumbo Jam this year, although the Concert Board's budget for Jumbo Jam is smaller than it has been in previous years.
"[Last year's Concert Board] kept the budget the same for this year, and when we planned Cage Rage, we did whatever we could to make sure that we didn't go over budget," McGraw said.
Concert Board is currently in the process of selecting an act to perform at Jumbo Jam, according to Kennedy.
"We're already talking to different bands to see who's available," she said.
"Hopefully we'll know within the next couple of weeks … We're hearing back from all of them right now, so it should be soon," Concert Board co−Chair Nathan Harada said.
Concert Board will announce the act for Spring Fling during Jumbo Jam, Kennedy said.
McGraw said that Concert Board plans for the event to be free.
"I'm hoping that this one will actually be free, because we are looking for a cheaper artist," he said.
Recent Jumbo Jam performers have included Ben Folds and Ingrid Michaelson.
Concert Board is considering Hotung Cafe, Dewick−MacPhie Dining Hall and Cohen Auditorium as possible venues for Jumbo Jam, according to McGraw.
The Multipurpose Room in Sophia Gordon Hall was previously considered, but its capacity of fewer than 100 students led Concert Board to explore other options.
"We want to make sure that the venue is big enough for people who want to go, but still gives them that small garage feel," he said. "The students wanted that more small, intimate vibe."
In the past, Jumbo Jam has taken place at the Somerville Theater, but this year's Concert Board is seeking a smaller, on−campus venue to fit the reduced Jumbo Jam budget and still book an artist who will appeal to students, according to Harada, a sophomore.
"We're trying to get a better artist in exchange for a more limited space," he said.
One of Concert Board's goals with Jumbo Jam is to create a mellower, more low−key event than Cage Rage and Spring Fling, while retaining its appeal.
"We talked with [McGraw] a little before winter break and decided Jumbo Jam would be a good choice for a concert that's not as much of a party atmosphere," Harada said.
"We're looking for that popular yet underground vibe that we feel this campus hasn't seen much of this year," McGraw said.
Programming Board has yet to decide whether non−Tufts guests will be permitted to attend, as has been allowed at past Jumbo Jams, according to McGraw. The date of the event also has yet to be finalized.
"We want to make it so anyone who wants to come will be able to enjoy the event," he said.
